Monocentropus balfouri (Socotra Island blue baboon tarantula)

Size Range

Sling (~1cm)
Juvenile (1cm~5cm)
Sub-adult (5cm~10cm)
Adult (10cm~)

Description

Monocentropus balfouri is also known as the “Socotra island blue baboon”, is a very gorgeous bird spider due to its coloration and behaviour. As the name suggested, it is from Socotra-island, part of the Republic of Yemen. It belongs to the subfamily of the Eumenophorinae. Rare variants in coloration, from red to amber, have been found in 1999 and 2003.

This species of spider can reach 6-7 cm in body length and 17-18 cm of leg span. This tarantula is a type of terrestrial bird spider and is a opportunistic burrower. This species is old world tarantula therefore it is not recommended for beginning hobbyists as its might possessed a strong venom.

Monocentropus balfouri can be kept communal if provided with sufficient water and food to prevent cannibalism. The growth rate of this species of tarantula is slow and the life expectancy for female of this species of tarantula is about 10-14 years old and males are given a shorter life span with around 3 to 4 years only.Keepers rated this species of tarantula from 1/beginner to 10/expert as 5.

Image credit: mygale
Image Sponsor: [email protected]

ABOUT SIZES

In Tarantula life cycle, there is only eggs, spider-ling and adult.

However for pricing convenience, this is a personal rule of thumb, obviously this varies on the species of tarantula.
1. Sling (1cm~2cm)
2. Juvenile (2cm~7cm)
3. Sub adult (7cm~10cm)
4. Adult (10cm~12cm+)

It varies on species as some adults may only reach a few centrimeters while others may get (20cm~25cm+)